Will my baby need surgery?

Most children born with clefts undergo one to three surgical procedures during their first year of life. Cleft lip-repair surgery, an operation to close a cleft lip, usually takes place in the first few months of life. Cleft palate-repair surgery, an operation to close a cleft of the palate, commonly occurs just before a baby turns one year old.

The best way to find out about your child’s needs is to speak with their surgeon and team. Lip-repair surgery and palate-repair surgery are major milestones in a child’s treatment and in the life of a family. It is important to feel as informed and supported as possible during this time.